Solanum crispum

Solanum crispum
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Asterids
Order:	Solanales
Family:	Solanaceae
Genus:	Solanum
Species:	S. crispum
Binomial name
Solanum crispum Ruiz & Pav.

Solanum crispum is a species of nightshade that is native to Chile and Peru. Common names include Chilean Potato Vine, Chilean Nightshade Chilean Potato Tree, and Potato Vine. It belongs to the same genus as the potato (S. tuberosum). The flowers resemble potato flowers. Solanum crispum is a South American, perennial, semi-evergreen, woody-stemmed climbing plant that has blue flowers 2.5 cm in diameter with a yellow ovary, producing very small poisonous purple berries in autumn. The berries start out green, then yellow-orange. The leaves are oval.

Uses

S. crispum is cultivated as a garden plant. The British Royal Horticultural Society gave Solanum crispum the “Award of Garden Merit”. The plant is fast growing and has a long flowering period, typically from June till the autumn. The plant can start to flower in May carry on till September or even October. The flowers are fragrant.

Solanum crispum grows well in soils that are moist and well drained. The soil should be neutral or a bit alkaline, see Soil pH. The University of Cambridge considers Solanum crispum hardy, though others think it should be protected from frost.^{[citation needed]} In areas where the plant is tender planting it against a south or west facing fence or wall is recommended. The plant needs support but can reach 15 to 20 ft (4.6 to 6.1 m). It grows best in the sun and should be given plenty of sunny space if it is to reach its potential. It can be cut back to keep it within bounds.

There is a white form known as "album". A popular form is "Solanum crispum Glasnevin", which flowers freely and is hardy.

References

• BBC Gardening, from the BBC
• University of Cambridge, Gardening Services Section
• Solanum crispum, ( Autumnale )
• The Garden of the Department of Botany
• Blue Potato Vine; aka, Climbing Chilean Potato Tree
• Berries portrait of Solanum crispum glasnerium Blue Potato Vine (This Web site may underestimate the toxicity of Deadly Nightshade)

External links

• Photographs: growing against a wall in a garden in the Ards Peninsula, Co Down.